Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur names co-captains for 2025

Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur has named Cam Smith and Ash Handley as his co-captains for the 2025 season. The pair held the respective captain and vice-captain roles last year but they will be sharing the responsibility next season under Arthur.

The announcement was made during a team meeting with Leeds legend and director of culture, diversity and inclusivity Jamie Jones-Buchanan drafted in to break the news to the team. The pair have been with the Rhinos throughout the duration of their careers with Handley making his debut for the club back in 2014 and racking up an eye-watering 212 appearances.

Smith emerged through into the Leeds Rhinos side in 2016 and has featured in blue and amber on 156 occasions.

Speaking on the new role, Handley, who has a testimonial game in January, said: “For me I’m really honoured and overwhelmed really.
“I feel proud and I’m looking forward to going on this journey with Cam. I think this year for us is an absolutely massive year and I think everyone knows what is expected of them.

“We’ve been here not even two weeks and the standard of training and the way people are around the place has already shot up and that makes mine and Cam’s role a lot easier. I think this is the year we kick on, the squad’s unreal, so let’s go win some trophies.”

Smith added: “Firstly I’m over the moon to be sharing this role with Ash, we’ve spent a lot of time together and come through the journey side by side. We’ve got a real exciting squad and I’m excited for this year, I think we’re going to have a really successful year.”

On his decision to go with co-captains in 2025, Arthur said: “Cam and Ash will have equal responsibility and will share the role. Both of them can focus on their own games and lean on each other.

“We will have a leader in the backs and the forwards, whether that is in games or in training. They are two people who take so much pride in our history and heritage and being home grown players is important.

“We all trust and respect them and that is vital when you are picking captains. They will lead by example and drive the standards we have set as group for this season.”